WHAT TO EXPECT AND FAQ’s

 
 

Many people put off getting help for their aches, pains and injuries because they are unsure what to expect or a little embarrassed about receiving physical treatment and on your first appointment it is quite common to feel a little nervous.

We provide a warm and friendly environment, and our aim is to listen carefully to what you have to say about your aches, pains, injuries, and reasons for seeking treatment. you will find any nerves or awkwardness quickly disappear as soon as you step into our treatment room.

 

+ What to expect on your first visit

The first time you come for an appointment, you will fill a new client intake form, where we take details about you, your lifestyle, medical history and current health.

If you have an injury, we will need to know as much as possible about how you got injured, what aggravates it, how long you have had it, and any details from other practitioners you may have seen. We will then carry out a physical assessment of the injured area. Injury treatment will consist of massage, manual therapy, and a rehabilitation exercise plan personalised to you, that is manageable for your lifestyle.

If you are having a massage, you may be in need of a restorative treatment and seeking relaxation from your treatment, in this case, the treatment approach will limit your need to move or actively participate. However, normally for massage and sports therapy, you will be asked to change positions, either lying on your front, back, sides or seated in order to achieve the best treatment results.

Massage treatments take place on a heated massage table to ensure your warmth, relaxation and comfort. Towels are used to keep you warm and dignified.

Remember this is your treatment and open communication between you and the therapist is vital to maximise the effect of your treatment, so please do not be afraid to say the pressure is too much, or not enough, or you dislike a particular technique that we use.

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+ What to wear?

Maintaining your modesty is important to us, so please wear something you feel comfortable in. Some people are quite happy to strip to their underwear, and some people prefer leggings or joggers and a t-shirt.

A very effective massage can be given through clothing, which is very good if you are particularly ticklish, or have skin irritations. Please make us aware of this requirement at the beginning of your appointment.

Whatever you feel comfortable wearing, you will be covered by towels for your warmth, dignity and comfort. Please ensure what you wear for your treatment allows for movement and is not restricting, and although every attempt is made to protect your clothing from massage oil, it is advisable to wear old clothes just in case oil does get on to your clothes.

If you require deep tissue or oil massage work on the back, you may be asked to remove your t-shirt or undo your bra strap if you are comfortable with this. If you would like lower limb deep tissue massage or have a leg injury, please wear shorts.

If you come in your everyday clothes, you are able to change in private at the beginning of your appointment.

Please tie up long hair.

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+ How To Book

You can book online via or contact us and we can get you booked in via a phone call, text or email.

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+ How To Pay

We can accept card payments, bacs or cash. Unfortunately, we do not accept cheques. Some health insurances may cover the cost of your treatments.

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+ Where Can I Park?

Tower House has it’s own car park right outside. and if there are no spaces available there, there an overflow carpark to the left of tower house between the factory shop and the wire fencing.

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+ Do you have disabled access?

Yes. You can park just outside the premises, and it is a flat entry all the way into the treatment room. Although please let us know in advance if you require assistance with the door as it is not automatic.

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+ Is Massage Therapy Painful?

No, (unless you feel you benefit from a painful massage). Our aim is to reduce your pain, not increase it.

A stigma has developed that massage must be painful to really work into your knots. Research shows this is not true.

When we experience pain, it will illicit the flight or fight response which is a series of stressed reactions in your brain and body, that will work against the goals of your treatment.

Your massage will be firm but comfortable, ensuring your pain response is not triggered, and much better results are achieved. At the most you may feel slight discomfort with a firm pressure, or a strong stretch, however, this is done in a controlled way, listening to you and your body and feeling your limits.

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+ What oil do you use?

We use a hypoallergenic massage wax suitable for the most sensitive skin (even used for baby massage) made from bee’s wax and the oil from olive tree leaves, and nothing else. For the neck and shoulders, we use a menthol and eucalyptus muscle relaxant balm (unless you have sensitive skin or have requested otherwise).

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+ Do I need a massage?

YES! The answer is always yes, not just because I would like to fill my diary with lots of appointments, but everyone can benefit from a good massage, and often we don’t realise how much we needed one until you are on the massage table and you feel how tense your body is.

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+ Is there an age limit?

Really there is no upper or lower age limit, I have had clients as young as 13 and as young as 82. Although under 18’s are advised to be accompanied by a chaperone at least for the first few appointments so they feel safe and comfortable.

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+ How often should I have a massage?

Most massage therapists will say every 2 weeks. And yes, if time and money allow, I would agree everyone should have a massage every two weeks to ensure the health of your muscles.

Some clients like to have weekly massages as part of their health and fitness routine, just as they would go to weekly exercise classes.

But, realistically most of us can manage to make a massage appointment at least once a month to keep on top of the health of your body and muscles. If you can look after your body and thank your muscles for all their hard work with a regular massage, you will feel huge benefits for your physical and mental well being, with better sleep at night, and more energy during the day.

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+ How many sessions will I need for a sports injury?

This will depend on your injury, but we generally advise 4-6 treatments with no more than a week gap between treatments to really facilitate your bodies recovery process and get you back on track. Then we can increase the gaps between treatments to fortnightly for a few of sessions, and then monthly treatments for maintenance and prevention.

However, we work with each individual and what they are able to manage. If you are unable to commit to treatments once a week until your injury is better, we will work on a plan with you to self-manage your injury and rehabilitate at home, and we will always be on hand via phone or email if you need advice, encouragement or support.

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+ After a treatment, how long should I wait before resuming exercise?

This depends on the type of treatment you have received, and how you feel afterwards. But for guidance, the next day should be fine to resume light training. If your treatment is before a sporting event, allow 3-4 days before your event, unless you are specifically having a pre-event massage which should be within 48 hours before the start of the event.

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+ I don’t know whether sports therapy or massage therapy will help me?

If you are not sure whether you will benefit from massage or sports therapy, we are always happy to have a chat with you about your aches, pains and injuries, just call or message us.

Chloe has many years of experience working with a huge variety of ailments, from the common ones to some very rare cases. If we feel that sports therapy or massage is not the right method of treatment for you, we will certainly advise you who can help.

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+ Can I receive treatment immediately following an injury?

Presuming you have not sustained damage where you require immediate medical attention such as a broken bone, or head injury, in the first 48 hours you can actually treat most injuries at home yourself using the P.R.I.C.E principal (protect, rest, ice, compression, elevation) .

Sports therapy can then be started 48 hours after the injury, however we are on hand to give advice before your treatment commences and will be more than happy to have a chat with you on the phone.

In the case of back problems, if you find your back had ‘gone’ make an appointment as soon as possible to reduce the pain of the muscle spasms in the back and get you moving towards recovery as soon as possible.

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+ When I shouldn’t I have massage therapy?

Massage therapy is suitable for everybody and can be adapted to suit every person no matter their age or health, and there are very few contraindications.

The only absolute NO’s being:-

  • Deep vein thrombosis

  • Aneurysm

However, if you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, please contact us before attending your first appointment to make us aware.

  • Fever or illness

  • Abdominal pain

  • Vomiting/Diarrhoea

  • Infectious diseases

  • Varicose Veins or DVT

  • Recent Surgery

  • Cancer

This list is not exhaustive, so if you are uncertain about suitability for treatment, please ask us, or consult with your GP.

If you have an open wound, burn, frostbite, irritated or contagious skin condition or recent surgery, you are still able to receive massage, however special precautions will be taken for your comfort and safety.

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+ Aftercare advice and how you may feel

After your appointment, it is important to drink plenty of water.

You may experience some of these symptoms in the days after your treatment:

  • Stiffness and tenderness

  • Cold like symptoms

  • Feeling hot and increased sweating

  • Stuffy, blocked or runny nose

  • Heightened emotions high or low

  • Sleepy, fatigued or deeply relaxed

  • Irritable

  • Energised

  • Temporary worsening of symptoms

  • Increased thirst

  • Increase urination

  • Sounder sleep

  • Temporary headaches and/or dizziness due to improved circulation

  • If you bruise easily, you may find some light bruising if you have had deep tissue work

Everyone is different and may react in different ways. These symptoms are quite normal and are all just a sign that the treatment is working. If you experience any severe pain, or your pain worsens, please contact us for advice.

After your massage you should do the following:

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Rest as much as possible 24 hours following treatment

  • Avoid heat treatment (hot bath, sauna) for 24 hours

  • Avoid sunbeds and sun if oils have been used

  • Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for the rest of the day after treatment

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot spicy food for at least 12 hours.

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+ How do I know my sports therapist / Massage therapist is suitably trained?

Chloe trained for 3 years at university to qualify as a Sports Therapist and is a member of The Society of Sports Therapists, the professional body for BSc and post-grad Sports Therapists. They ensure high standards of training and demands continual professional development of its members.

In addition, Chloe’s massage training is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists, and Chloe is a registered Massage Practitioner with the Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council who regulate non-medical healthcare professionals, an approved regulator of the Professional Standards Authority.

These memberships and registrations are to protect the public by ensuring professionals in the health and care sector have undergone adequate training and to show the public that your therapist upholds high standards of practice.

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